Australian Law Bans Under-16s from Social Media to Combat Harm

Mia Bannister has transformed her grief into action following the tragic suicide of her teenage son, Ollie, who struggled with anorexia and online bullying. In a groundbreaking move, the Australian government will implement a ban on social media access for children under 16 years old starting on December 10, 2023. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok will face penalties of up to $32 million if they fail to comply with the new regulations.

Mia, who has permanently inked her skin with a tribute to Ollie, believes that had this legislation been in place a year ago, her son might still be alive. “He was my best friend,” she reflected as she gazed at the tattoo depicting a mother holding a red cracked heart. “He was my world.”

Ollie’s experience with bullying on social media, combined with the harmful content on platforms like TikTok and Snapchat, contributed to his worsening condition. Mia recalls his vibrant red curls and sharp wit, which faded as his health declined. As a single parent working full time, she was unaware of the profound effects that social media could have on her son’s mental health. “I was trying to keep a roof over our heads, not really understanding what platforms he was on and how they worked,” she explained.

Legislation Aims to Protect Children

The Australian government’s initiative aims to alter the way children engage online, rather than completely removing them from the internet. According to a survey by Mission Australia, approximately 97 percent of teenagers reported using social media daily, with nearly half spending more than three hours online. The survey suggested that those who spent less time on social media experienced better mental well-being and social connections.

Despite the positive intentions behind the law, significant challenges remain regarding its enforcement. Questions about how social media platforms will verify users’ ages and the overall clarity of the legislation have drawn criticism from tech companies. Currently, ten platforms, including Discord, Pinterest, and WhatsApp, will not be banned, although Australian authorities retain the power to enforce compliance if deemed necessary.

Experts have raised concerns about the potential drawbacks of such legislation. Catherine Page Jeffery, a Media and Communications lecturer at the University of Sydney, stated, “I don’t think that this is the right approach to online safety. Blanket bans don’t often work.” She cautioned that children might seek unsafe online spaces if they are barred from more familiar platforms. Jeffery advocates for imposing greater safety obligations on social media companies rather than outright bans.

Social Media as a Tool for Growth

For many young users, social media serves as an essential tool for self-expression and skill development. Twelve-year-old Ava Chanel Jones utilizes Instagram to showcase her talents in cheering, dancing, and modeling, amassing a following of over 11,400 users. With her mother, Zoe, closely monitoring her interactions, Ava has even launched her own clothing line thanks to the opportunities provided by the platform.

Zoe emphasizes her proactive role as a parent, stating, “It’s my responsibility to protect her the best that I can when she’s on social media.” She expresses pride in Ava’s achievements but worries about how the new legislation could impact her daughter’s access to these opportunities.

As the December deadline approaches, both parents and children are left navigating the uncertainties surrounding the implementation of the law. Julie Inman Grant, Australia’s eSafety Commissioner, believes that the age restrictions represent a “really potent solution” to combat online harm. Yet, she acknowledges that there is no quick fix to ensuring the safety of children online.

Mia Bannister continues to honor Ollie’s memory by sharing his story through her charity focused on raising awareness about eating disorders in boys. “I do it for him, and I do it for all the other children out there: the lost children and the ones that we’re all going to save,” she said. As Australia embarks on this unprecedented journey to regulate social media access for minors, the balance between safety and opportunity remains a pressing concern for families across the nation.